Thursday, October 11, 2012

My favorite Cub returned to service a few weeks ago but I didn't have a chance to take her up until tonight. She has two brand-new metal wings, topped with yellow fabric done in Cathy's impeccable-as-usual handiwork. Gina and I headed down to Stewart after work for a short sightseeing flight. You've got to enjoy our short fall color season when Mother Nature allows!

The leaves, basking in the dwindling twilight, were beautiful from above...

This red tree stood alone in a vast, open field

We didn't have time to take advantage of the extra 20 hp to climb up for any fun with streamer cutting. Instead, we circled over the area for a few minutes before heading back towards the airport. I made a low pass and saw Tommy standing on the fuel pad, topping off the Fly Baby's small fuel tank. He quickly launched into the air and joined up with us, just long enough for Gina to take the awesome photos you can see below.

Turning in behind us as the sun nears the horizon

Pulling up on our right wing

A great close-up shot before breaking off to land

It was chilly and the sun was crossing the horizon as I circled on the north side of the airport. With a clear pattern and a now nearly-calm wind, I elected to land on Runway 8. No sense in landing directly into the sun if you don't have to. We touched down softly on the slightly damp grass, rolling off between the cones and shutting down next to the hangar.